Vol. 11, No. 3 Editor: J.V. Ward N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University HOW TO SUSCRIBE IREC’s Connecting to the Grid newsletter is published electronically every month by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC) and the North Carolina Solar Center at North Carolina State University. This is a free publication. Click here to subscribe. ... Read More
Archive for February, 2008
NARUC adopts resolutions on solar ITC, CHP facilitation, and energy efficiency leadership
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008On February 20, 2008, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) issued several resolutions at its 2008 winter meeting which address renewables, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and energy efficiency. The solar resolution urges Congress to: extend the federal solar production tax credit for a minimum of eight additional years; expand the credit ... Read More
National Governor’s Association emphasizes state’s role in clean energy future
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008On February 25, 2008, the National Governor’s Association (NGA) concluded their 2008 winter meeting with a series of presentations and discussions about the advancement of clean energy policies. One of the many impressive speakers was Mr. John Doerr, a partner with KPCB Venture Capital. Mr. Doerr discussed the reality of climate change and the need ... Read More
A Net-Zero Energy House in Northern NYS
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008This article was written by Dr. Mel Tyree, Ellenburg, Clinton County, NY I wish to announce the completion of a project to build a Net-Zero Energy House in a cold part of NY State (8010 heating degree days). My net-zero house uses a 10 kW Bergey wind turbine and a 10 kW photovoltaic array to ... Read More
U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee to introduce federal legislation on interconnection and feed-in tariffs
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008U.S. Representative Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) is expected to introduce the Clean Energy Buy-Back Act in March 2008. This performance-based incentive policy would guarantee Americans who generate their own electricity‚ from solar panels, wind turbines, or other clean energy sources‚ interconnection to the grid, and a long-term contract for a utility to purchase that electricity at ... Read More
Banks announce "Carbon Principles" for lending
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008On February 4, 2008, three of the world’s leading financial institutions‚ JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and CitiGroup‚ announced the formation of The Carbon Principles, which are climate change guidelines for advisors and lenders to power companies. Developed in consultation with several major investor-owned utilities, the need for these principles stems from the risk to ... Read More
Nevada Senator Harry Reid restates need for a national Renewable Portfolio Standard
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008On February 19, 2008, Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke at the POWER-GEN Renewable Energy and Fuels conference in Las Vegas, NV. Senator Reid‚ s comments speak for themselves: ‚ ‚ It is not enough just to say we are against dirty power and for clean power. Our energy demands are rising and they must be ... Read More
Alberta cracks open door for small distributed generation
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008On February 1, 2008, the Alberta Minister of Energy announced a new regulation which will permit small distributed generators to connect to the province‚ s distribution grids. Small renewable generators (defined as less than 150 kW) are to receive the retail rate for their excess power. Large renewable generators (defined as those between 150 kW ... Read More
2008 Small Wind State Stakeholders Meeting
Tuesday, February 26th, 2008The Annual Small Wind State Stakeholders Meeting will be Tuesday, June 3 from 1:00pm ‚ 5:00pm during WINDPOWER 2008 in Houston. The State Stakeholders meeting provides an opportunity for states to exchange information on policies and programs to promote the use of small wind turbines. The meeting will include reports from state representatives, discussion of ... Read More
DMEA Receives Economic Development Partnership Award
Tuesday, February 26th, 2008Montrose Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced at its annual meeting recently that Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) was the recipient of MEDC‚ s annual Economic Development Partnership Award. ‚ DMEA has been recognized by Governor Ritter as a leader in the state in their field. They are actively engaged in the exploration of opportunities to develop ... Read More
